Europe- Mediterranean and Mainland

Overview

Maps

Walk in the footsteps of ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans and marvel at the accomplishments of Renaissance philosophers and artists. Discover the rich tapestry of Europe from the wonders of ancient Egypt, Italy, Greece and Turkey to the beautiful beaches of the Black Sea and the French Riviera. Discover the magic of the East & West Mediterranean. From a cliff-side taverna overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea to a gondola ride through Venice's canals, the unparalleled romance of the Mediterranean and Greek Isles speaks volumes. The delightful rivers of Europe set the stage for an incredible River Cruising experience through spectacular European scenery. You can also bask in the warmth and beauty of the Atlantic Ocean & Canary Islands, dotted with little fishing villages and small hilltop towns with white-washed houses.

Ports Of Call

Athens (Piraeus), Greece – The port of Piraeus is your gateway to the wonders of Athens. The busy harbor is filled with ferries and cruise ships making their way to the Greek Islands and other Mediterranean ports. Athens itself lies inland. Athens is a treasure trove of antiquities: the Acropolis, Constitution Square, Hadrian's Arch, the Olympic Stadium and more.

Barcelona, Spain – Barcelona, the capital of Catalunya is one of Europe's most beautiful cities. There's nothing quite like Barcelona. Especially if you consider the architecture. The city lays claim to its very own form of Art Nouveau, known as Modernisme. Everywhere are archives, libraries, museums and buildings of interest - plus superb examples of modernist and Art Nouveau décor and architecture.

Budapest, Hungary - Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left.

Cannes (Monte Carlo), France - Welcome to the French Riviera. Once a small fishing town owned by monks, Cannes is now home to all the glamour of the International Film Festival. Monte Carlo is located in the Principality of Monaco, north of Nice on the Mediterranean Sea.

Dubrovnik, Croatia – This charming little town has been resting on the Dalmation Coast for some 1,300 years. The traffic-free Old Town has been called a Croatian Athens. This designated UNESCO World Heritage Site is a living museum of the ages with fortifications, chapels, monastic cloisters and Europe's second-oldest synagogue crowded into its ancient walls. Marble-paved squares, monasteries and fountains are just a few of the antiquities still standing just as they were over a thousand years ago.

Funchal, Madeira Portugal - The Madeira Archipelago, consisting of the islands Madeira, Porto Santo and Desertas, is situated in the Atlantic, about 400 miles from the African coast and 560 miles from Lisbon. For over 100 years tourists have enjoyed its rugged volcanic peaks, beautiful tropical coastline and a climate that's never too hot or cold. Madeira lace and Madeira wine are both still produced here in the Old World tradition. Many hidden valleys, peaks and botanical gardens are just waiting to be explored.

Gibraltar, UK - "Gibal al Tariq”, or "Mount of Tariq” is the original Arabic name for Gibraltar, now a British Dependent Territory, known in ancient times as "Land's End".

Istanbul, Turkey - Spanning Europe and Asia, exotic Istanbul is one of the world's most fascinating cities. Known in the course of history as Byzantium and Constantinople, this city's rich past is evident in such sights as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, home of Ottoman sultans. Istanbul is not only where Europe meets Asia; it's where history, built upon empire after empire, meets modern-day commercialism

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey - Kusadasi, which means "bird island," is set in a superb gulf known for its sparkling water, broad sandy beaches and large marina. The city has managed to retain a certain earthiness while doing a brisk trade in Turkish carpets and leather goods to visitors.

Lisbon, Portugal - Lisbon is one of Europe's smallest capital cities but considered by many visitors to be one of the most likeable. Spread over a string of seven hills, the city offers a variety of faces. In the oldest parts are tiny, stepped alleys lined with pastel-color houses; in the grand 18th century center, wide boulevards are bordered by black and white mosaic cobblestone sidewalks.

Mykonos, Greece – In the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean lies one of the most inviting places in all of Greece - Myko